US sanctions Wagner commander in Mali in latest crackdown on Russian mercenary operations in Africa

The Treasury Department is imposing sanctions on Ivan Aleksandrovich Maslov, which the US has identified as the leader of the Wagner Group in Mali. Citing the role of elements of the Malian Armed Forces in the March 2022 massacre of more than 500 people during a military operation in Moura, the State Department also imposed visa restrictions on two Malian military commanders in charge for “gross violations of human rights”:  Col. Moustaph Sangare, then-Commander of the 33rd Parachute Commando Regiment, and Maj. Lassine Togola, Acting Commander of the Autonomous Special Forces Battalion (BAFS).

“We will continue to promote justice and accountability for human rights violations and abuses in Mali,” State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement. “We remain committed to supporting the people of Mali and call for the protection of and respect for human rights and a return to civilian-led democratic governance.”

“Mali’s ongoing partnership with the Wagner Group is worsening its security situation and prolonging human suffering,” Miller added. “Wagner’s reported use of Mali as an intermediary to provide weapons to its fighters in Ukraine further shows the extent to which the group will pursue it broader financial and political aims.”